The head of TNI's Information Center, Air Marshall Graito Usodo said yesterday there was an elite group that was trying to revive nationalistic sentiments in order to "seize back" Timor Lorosae and "annex" it as part of Indonesia.

Air Marshall Graito said this elite group was trying to seek popularity for their cause. But he warned they would not succeed.

"Let me assure you this thing to seize back Timor Lorosae and bring it into Indonesia will not happen," Air Marshall Graito told journalists at the El Tari Airport in Kupang, West Timor.

Air Marshall Graito said TNI will not tolerate any group that is against the Indonesian people in recognizing independence for Timor Lorosae. "We must accept Timor Lorosae's independence sincerely, because it [independence] has been accepted by the international community," he added.

Air Marsahll Gaito told journalists the elite group, comprising veterans, were trying to regroup in West Timor's border with Timor Lorosae. "They call themselves the Veterans' Brigade," he added.